Youngkin approves same-sex marriage legislation in Virginia

Virginia Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin has signed a bill that officially recognizes same-sex marriage as legal in the state.

Youngkin signed 64 bills into law and vetoed eight others before the Democrat-led Virginia General Assembly concluded its 60-day legislative session on Saturday.

Although the decision may conflict with his personal Christian beliefs and the opposition of Republican voters, the governor’s office stated that Youngkin signed the gay marriage bill because it includes provisions protecting religious liberty.

“The bill adds First Amendment protections to the code of Virginia,” Youngkin’s spokesperson Christian Martinez informed the media, as LifeSiteNews.com reported. “Religious organizations and clergy members acting in their religious capacity now have the right to refuse to officiate marriage ceremonies that conflict with their conscience.”

During his campaign in 2021, Youngkin mentioned to The Associated Press that he believes gay marriage is “legally acceptable” in Virginia, and as governor, he stands in support of it.

This new law primarily serves as a symbolic measure to ensure that same-sex marriage remains legally recognized in Virginia regardless of potential future court decisions, as reported by VirginiaMercury.com.

The law stipulates that marriage licenses must be issued to any two individuals seeking a “lawful marriage,” regardless of gender, race, or sex, maintaining the stance established in Virginia since the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2015 decision in Obergefell v. Hodges legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide.

If the Supreme Court were to reverse its previous decision, the new Virginia law would gain greater significance, preventing Virginia’s 2006 constitutional ban on same-sex marriage from taking effect.

“Two years into his term, Gov. Youngkin has demonstrated leadership and inclusivity by signing HB 174, responding to the desires of his constituents,” Equality Virginia Executive Director Narissa Rahaman expressed, as reported by VirginiaMercury.com.

Republican state Sen. David Suetterlein joined Democrats in passing the gay marriage bill by a vote of 22-17. In the State House of Delegates, five Republicans, including state Dels. Rob Bloxom, Carrie Coyner, Chad Green, Kim Taylor, and David Owen, voted with Democrats to pass HB 174, according to Legiscan.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.